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RTI researchers compared nutrition interventions with standard diabetes education and published their findings in a new RTI Press paper
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death among U.S. adults, and Food is Medicine (FIM) programs that provide healthy food and nutrition education may help people living with diabetes improve their health, according to a new study from RTI International, an independent scientific research institute.
The comparative case study evaluated two diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) sites offering FIM programs and two sites without them.
“Food is Medicine programs are gaining attention as a way to address food insecurity and chronic disease,” said Laura Arena, manager for RTI’s Center for Innovation in Health Policy and Practice. “Our findings suggest these interventions can improve access to healthy foods and contribute to better diabetes outcomes.”
Researchers found that participants in one FIM program experienced a statistically significant reduction in A1C levels—an important measure of blood sugar control.
The study also examined cultural tailoring strategies, such as adapting recipes to reflect participants’ preferences. Both FIM sites offered weekly food boxes or bags and optional cooking classes, while DSMES sites focused on education and support without providing food.
Cost analysis revealed that annual ongoing expenses for the two FIM programs were similar: $102,011 and $95,652 despite differences in program design. Labor accounted for the largest share of costs at one site, while consumable materials dominated at the other.
The authors caution that small sample sizes and limited data on participant experiences mean more evaluation is needed.
The study was published by RTI Press, a global publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access publications.
Read the full study
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RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
For more information, visit www.rti.org.